Now that you have selected the most suitable type of heater for you pool, the next step is to figure what is the best size. Although calculating an exact size is not always easy, you can make your selection based on some basic criteria. The first step is to calculate your pool surface area (Length X Width). The second step is to decide how warm you want your pool water and how fast you want to raise the temperature.
The sizing guides below show the maximum pool surface area that can be heated based on the temperature difference between the air temperature during the coldest month the pool is used and the desired temperature. Figures are based on average wind conditions and average pool depth.
Keep in mind that if you don't find your exact size or have trouble measuring your free form pool, it is always best to go with the next biggest pool heater. The larger the heater is, the faster you can heat the pool, and the heater will last longer too!
| Model | 125K BTU | 175K BTU | 250K BTU | 325K BTU | 400K BTU | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp. Difference | Minimum Area Heater (length x width) | |||||||||
| 0 wind | 3.5 wind | 0 wind | 3.5 wind | 0 wind | 3.5 wind | 0 wind | 3.5 wind | 0 wind | 3.5 wind | |
| 15 Degrees F | 875 | 675 | 1,250 | 925 | 1,775 | 1,325 | 2,300 | 1,725 | 2,850 | 2,125 |
| 20 Degrees F | 675 | 500 | 925 | 700 | 1,325 | 1,000 | 1,725 | 1,300 | 2,125 | 1,600 |
| 25 Degrees F | 525 | 400 | 750 | 550 | 800 | 1,400 | 1,400 | 1,050 | 1,700 | 1,300 |
| 30 Degrees F | 450 | 325 | 625 | 475 | 700 | 1,250 | 1,250 | 875 | 1,425 | 1,075 |
| 35 Degrees F | 400 | 300 | 550 | 400 | 575 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 750 | 1,225 | 900 |
| Model | 125K BTU | 175K BTU | 250K BTU | 325K BTU | 400K BTU | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spa Size | Time Required to Raise 30 Degrees | |||||||||
| 200 Gallons | 30 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 10 Minutes | |||||
| 400 Gallons | 60 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 20 Minutes | |||||
| 600 Gallons | 90 Minutes | 65 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 35 Minutes | 30 Minutes | |||||
| 800 Gallons | 120 Minutes | 90 Minutes | 60 Minutes | 50 Minutes | 40 Minutes | |||||
| 1,000 Gallons | 150 Minutes | 110 Minutes | 75 Minutes | 60 Minutes | 50 Minutes | |||||
| Pool Size | Square Feet | BTU's |
|---|---|---|
| 12' x 20' | 240 | 100,000+ |
| 12' x 24' | 288 | 100,000+ |
| 14' x 28' | 392 | 110,000+ |
| 15' x 30' | 450 | 110,000+ |
| 16' x 32' | 512 | 110,000+ |
| 18' x 36' | 648 | 125,000+ |
| 20' x 40' | 800 | 125,000+ |
| 24' x 44' | 1,056 | 130,000+ |
| Pool Size | Square Feet | BTU's |
|---|---|---|
| 18' Round | 254 | 70,000+ |
| 21' Round | 346 | 70,000+ |
| 24' Round | 346 | 110,000+ |
| 28' Round | 452 | 110,000+ |
| 12' x 24' Oval | 615 | 70,000+ |
| 15' x 24' Oval | 226 | 100,000+ |
| 16' x 32' Oval | 402 | 110,000+ |
| 18' x 33' Oval | 466 | 110,000+ |
| Pool Size | Square Feet | 2' x 10' Panels | 4' x 20' Panels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12' x 20' | 240 | 2 | 1 |
| 12' x 24' | 288 | 2 | 1 |
| 14' x 28' | 392 | 2 | 1 |
| 15' x 30' | 450 | 4 | 2 |
| 16' x 24' | 384 | 2 | 1 |
| 16' x 32' | 512 | 4 | 2 |
| 18' x 36' | 648 | 4 | 2 |
| 20' x 40' | 800 | 4 | 2 |
| Pool Size | Square Feet | 2' x 10' Panels | 4' x 20' Panels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18' Round | 254 | 2 | 1 |
| 21' Round | 346 | 2 | 1 |
| 24' Round | 346 | 2 | 1 |
| 28' Round | 452 | 4 | 2 |
| 12' x 24' Oval | 615 | 4 | 2 |
| 15' x 24' Oval | 226 | 2 | 1 |
| 16' x 32' Oval | 402 | 4 | 1 |
| 18' x 33' Oval | 466 | 4 | 2 |